10 Job Interview Tips for Teens

When going to a first job interview, the question that many teenagers ask is: What type of image should I give off? And there’s only one word to describe what it takes: Attitude.

In practice, the right attitude means revealing who you really are – your sense of responsibility, doubts and desires. 

10 job interview tips for teens

Before the job interview

To have a successful job interview, there are several factors that teens need to keep in mind:

• Do your research about the company and the position. Researching what type of job they’re offering is very important so that you can attend the interview with confidence and security.
• Find out about the company itself. You should find out what the company does, how they make money, who their competition is, if they have more than one location, etc. The employers will notice right away that you know very well what the interview is for.
• Design your resume around your research. If you’re a teen, then you probably don’t have a lot to include in your resume – at least as far as job experience goes. However, it can serve as a great presentation letter if it has a good design.
• Include details in your resume about studies, abilities and strengths as elegantly as possible. Highlight the aspects of your life that make you a hardworking and responsible employee. If you’re having a hard time, ask for help!
• Rehearse questions and answers. Every job interview consists of some questions focused on getting to know the attitudes of the candidate. You should respond in a relaxed and spontaneous way to questions like: “Why do you want this position?” Also, you’ll need to be prepared to provide an answer when they say: “Tell me about yourself.”

During the job interview

• Clothing: This is one of the most complicated aspects when you’re a teenager preparing for a job interview. Here, it’s important to remember the saying: “You can never make a second first impression.” The key is to use dress clothes, but without overdoing it. And whatever you do, avoid jeans and t-shirts.
• You can broaden your initial investigation in this area. What is the image that the company wants to present to the public? Remember that your own personal image doesn’t just include your clothing, but also personal hygiene, hair, makeup, etc.
• Be more than just on time: If you arrive to the interview 5 or 10 minutes early, you’ll be sure to win a few points with the employer.
• Be careful with job applications. Many employment agencies may ask you to fill out 2 or 3 pages of a job application. Don’t give off any sign of discomfort while doing so. Read each question and respond in a simple manner. Use few words and limit your use of adjectives, qualifiers, and first person pronouns.
• The icing on the cake: When you’re in the midst of the interview, show a bit of your sense of  humor – a free sample. This relaxes things and makes you more likeable. Try to point out some quality that your friends and family like about you. You can also mention something interesting about the last book you read or an interesting blog entry your wrote.
• Body language: Remember to sit up straight with your shoulders back and your chest slightly high. When you speak, look the employer in the eye. When the interviewer is speaking, nod every once in a while to show that you’re listening. At the same time, maintain a confident stride as you enter. Smile when you greet the interviewer and whenever else it’s appropriate.

After the job interview

• Feedback: Show that you’re 100% committed to the position by making your own questions. If you want to know about wages or other details about the job, you can ask about “general conditions.” However, you can also ask questions that are more about the position itself.
• Give thanks and be attentive: Some employers appreciate thank you notes after an interview. You can do something very simple that lets the employer know you’re truly interested in the position. If you don’t receive news within 10 days, you can call and express your interest directly.

In conclusion, going to a job interview when you’re a teenager can open the door to the working world, the adult world. Be spontaneous, trust completely in yourself, and show your confidence to the employer. Without a doubt, the position will be yours.